Our March Goodness Grant winner is Leonard Bagalwa! His story begins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where his childhood was marked by hardship and survival. Forced to become a child soldier, he managed to escape in 1997, finding refuge in a camp in Malawi. But safety was fleeting. Seeking a better future, he made his way to the United States in 2004, landing in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Life in the U.S. was difficult, and without the skills to navigate his new reality, Leonard found himself homeless. Seeking warmth in a local library, he felt a strong internal urge to ask for help. That morning, he noticed a car outside and took a leap of faith, approaching the people inside to ask for help learning English. Their response changed his life—they invited him to stay with them. Over the next year, they not only taught him English but also the essential skills he needed to rebuild his future and thrive in his new home.
After living with this family, Leonard moved to Orem and attended Utah Valley University, earning a bachelor's degree in public health followed by an MBA. His next challenge was finding a way to give back. He soon secured a job at Health Access Project as a refugee case manager. Here he was able to help refugees get access to affordable health care, Medicaid, and other state benefits.
Through this job, Leonard quickly saw that refugees were still facing the same challenges he once had—navigating healthcare, employment, housing, and basic daily tasks. Determined to help, he created a cost-effective program connecting refugees with volunteer doctors. This initiative, now called the Providers Network, laid the foundation for his broader mission.
In 2016, Leonard founded Utah Valley Refugees, an organization dedicated to helping displaced individuals build new lives in Utah. Their mission is to meet individuals where they are and teach them the skills necessary to become self reliant.
With a team of a few full time employees and numerous volunteers, Utah Valley Refugees has helped countless individuals navigate their new world. They provide assistance with housing, education, healthcare and employment. Most importantly, they offer a community—a network of people who understand and are ready to help.
Leonard’s message is simple: be aware and take action. He urges people to be advocates for refugees in their community by asking, “Who do I know? How can I be a friend?” Then, take that step and offer support in whatever way you can.
For those looking to contribute further, there are multiple ways to help. You can donate funds, volunteer your time, provide housing, offer employment opportunities, or support fundraising efforts. You can find more information on Utah Valley Refugees’ website.
Know someone like Leonard who goes above and beyond to help others? Nominate them for a Goodness Grant!
